1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. (300 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 585 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | S | Impala |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2807 mm |
